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Ratchet wrench: how does it work and how to use it?
In a toolbox you can find many useful items. Alongside screwdrivers, pliers and electrical tape there is often also the magical ratchet wrench. It allows you to loosen or tighten a bolt without repeatedly repositioning the tool. How does a flat ratchet wrench work and how should you use it correctly? Check below. What is a ratchet wrench? At first glance flat-ring ratchet wrenches differ little from classic metal tools. Their only secret is an additional gear, sometimes visible as an extra rim, and a small direction switch. Inside the device, however, there is an important mechanism that makes every DIYer's work easier. It is this mechanism that is responsible for the characteristic sound coming from the wrench when it is turned in the opposite direction. The role of ratchets is to loosen and tighten bolts. But their most important advantage is especially visible in hard-to-reach connections. After placing the wrench on a nut or bolt head, you don't have to remove and refit it with every movement. Such a wrench transmits torque to the bolt in only one direction. How does the ratchet mechanism work? The principle is relatively simple and is based on the action of a cam with teeth. Its shape enables interaction with the teeth of the large gear of the wrench, which is placed over the bolt head or nut. When tightening a bolt the teeth are locked, causing the transfer of torque. In this case, the device works exactly like a regular flat wrench. However, when turned in the opposite direction, the cam slips over the large gear, producing the characteristic sound. At the same time the large gear does not rotate, which allows the wrench to move without turning the bolt itself. The above example concerns tightening a bolt. But the same situation can occur when loosening a connection. Do you need a different ratchet wrench for that? The design of the device allows switching the cam to the other side. Then torque is transmitted during loosening, and not during tightening. Types of ratchets It's worth having the most popular tools in your toolbox, like a 13 mm ratchet wrench. However, if you spend a lot of time in a home workshop, you may need more varied solutions. Which types of ratchets for wrenches can prove very useful? A mechanical ratchet, the simplest solution, used in hand flat and ring wrenches. In professional solutions, with a fine gear, it is possible to transmit torque up to 700 Nm. However, in most cases it is not worth using such wrenches "by force" so as not to damage the mechanism. A pneumatic ratchet, powered by a stream of compressed air, which allows achieving much higher torque up to 1500 Nm in professional applications (especially important when loosening seized bolts). A torque (dynamometric) ratchet allows setting the exact tightening torque according to the recommendations of the manufacturer of the assembled set. A battery-powered ratchet is powered, in turn, by electrical energy from a nickel-cadmium battery. You can find it in cordless wrenches sold together with sockets. These can also be combined with universal mechanical ratchets. Ring wrenches with a ratchet can also differ in additional solutions applied in them. A 19 mm half-open ratchet wrench has a special mechanism design that allows placing the wrench in any position. It will be useful wherever a traditional (closed) wrench cannot be applied, for example because of too small a distance to the casing. An interesting solution are also flat wrenches with a ratchet and a joint. Their head can tilt up to 90°, which significantly makes it easier to reach hard-to-access places. How to choose the right size ratchets for wrenches? Many people use an adjustable wrench, which can sometimes replace an entire tool set. Ratchet wrenches cannot, however, be adjustable due to the presence of the mechanism. But just as little space is taken up by a ring ratchet wrench with sockets. It has as many as 20 elements corresponding to the most popular bolt sizes. It is an ideal solution for every home. In a workshop loosening bolts often requires more effort. That's why it's worth opting for a slightly larger ratchet tool set. It has additional extensions that make it easier to access the most hidden and hard-to-reach screw connections. Indispensable at the side of every specialist. How to choose the right ratchet wrench? Have you decided that your workshop should have a good wrench that will help you with every job? It is therefore worth visiting our e-shop and purchasing a set of flat-ring ratchet wrenches. What should you pay attention to before completing the transaction? Material. Cheap supermarket tools are made of cheap and low-grade steels. If you are looking for a durable wrench that will easily transmit even large loads, aim for tools made of chrome-vanadium steel (CrV), which show good mechanical properties. Chromium-molybdenum steel is used for the mechanism. High resistance to rust and weather conditions will ensure the highest durability of such tools. The size of the head should be chosen according to your needs. A small ratchet wrench will work well in hard-to-reach places. Larger models, on the other hand, can transmit greater loads. With them you will cope with tightly tightened or seized bolts. The shape and material of the handle. An ergonomic wrench will make work easier and reduce muscle strain. This is especially important during long work in the workshop. Number of teeth in the mechanism. You can most often find wrenches with 45 or 72 detents. What's the difference between them? The greater the number of cooperating teeth, the smaller the rotation needed to loosen a bolt. So models with a 72-tooth mechanism will work well in hard-to-reach places where there is limited room for moving the wrench. Number of pieces in the set. A universal solution that you can quickly adapt to any bolt size will work in every home workshop. If you have no experience with workshop tools, it is worth using the help of a seller or another specialist. Based on their experience, they will suggest which type of ratchet wrenches will work best in your case.Author: Paweł Sokołowski
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Cordless handheld saw: what should you know about it?
The cordless circular saw is a basic piece of equipment not only for carpenters but also for various professionals involved in renovating and finishing homes, gardens, or driveways. Choosing the right blade allows you to cut not only wood but also metals, plastics, ceramics, and even light construction materials. Why should you add one to your workshop? See for yourself! Construction and applications of the cordless saw At first glance a cordless handheld saw is not an elaborate device. However, it contains many important components and parts that have been designed in an extremely compact way. What does the construction of a circular saw look like? The heart of every device is its electric motor. It determines the rotational speed of the blade (approx. 5000 rpm), which translates into efficiency and quality of work. A powerful battery means you can take the circular saw anywhere, for example to the garden where a new gazebo is being built. A durable mounting for the saw also allows for quick blade changes. The main handle allows secure control of the tool and making straight cuts. An additional handle provides even better guidance of the cordless saw when cutting harder materials or making more complex bevel cuts. Depth and angle adjustment give great possibilities to shape the cut materials to specific needs while maintaining high cutting precision. The upper fixed guard attached to the body works well together with the lower guard that retracts during operation. These largely ensure user safety. The base plate, which also serves as the guide for the cordless saw, together with the parallel guide, ensures that every cut is smooth and straight. This design means that circular saws are excellent for trimming parts and performing long straight or bevel cuts. They handle not only wood but also metals, plastics, ceramics, and some construction materials. Key features of handheld cordless saws Due to their design, a small cordless circular saw allows very precise cuts in various materials. That alone makes it worth having this tool in your workshop. Many models are, however, equipped with additional accessories for the circular saw that make work easier and expand the capabilities of the tool. Besides the previously mentioned guards and depth and angle adjustments, this can also include additional work area lighting. Straight and bevel cuts Most often, straight cuts are made with a handheld saw. These can be short (trimming boards or metal rods) or long (such as shortening an OSB panel). In the latter case the best results will be achieved with a cordless saw with a guide rail. After setting the appropriate width of the piece to be cut, the cut will be not only precise but also even. In many cases, however, chamfering is required. This is necessary when trimming two elements that meet at a corner of a room. It is in such cases that a handheld saw performs best. Adjusting the angle between the blade and the base (main guide) allows cutting with the circular saw at any angle, not only the most commonly encountered 30° or 45°. Depth adjustment A cordless handheld circular saw allows not only angle adjustment but also depth adjustment. A wing screw is used to set the correct blade protrusion depending on the thickness of the piece being cut. It is recommended that the saw blade protrudes below the material by no more than the height of one tooth. Dust extraction adapter Cutting produces chips as a byproduct. To keep the workspace tidy, the circular saw is equipped with a chip ejection port to which a vacuum hose or an additional fabric bag can be connected. Such a dust extraction adapter is useful not only for indoor work but also outdoors, for example when carrying out small garden architecture projects, to prevent the area from being contaminated with chips. LED lighting Proper visibility is crucial during precise trimming. When guiding the electric circular saw along the cut line, use additional LED lighting. A small lamp is aimed directly at the material being cut. LED lighting is also useful when working in the evening or in a dim room. Modern brushless motor The drive is the heart of every device. The motor for a circular saw must provide sufficient blade speed so it does not jam in the material. The most common are cheaper brushed electric motor models. However, these require regular brush replacement to operate correctly. That is why professionals opt for modern brushless motors. An electric circular saw powered by such a motor is less prone to failure and more durable. They are also more efficient, which increases maximum runtime on a single battery while maintaining better operating parameters. Safety when working with a handheld circular saw The basic protection against injuries are the blade guards: the fixed one mounted directly to the body and the lower pivoting one that retracts during cutting. Handheld circular saws also have two handles that provide better control over the tool. It is recommended to use both handles while working, especially when trimming thick or large elements. A good circular saw is additionally equipped with a switch lock. To prevent accidental startup of the device, it is necessary to press the lock release first. The blade brake is activated after switching off the device to stop the spinning blade more quickly. This way it will not pose a danger after putting the electric saw aside. At the same time, this mechanism increases the durability of the blade and the tool. Additional accessories for handheld saws In addition to the built-in conveniences, it is worth equipping yourself with additional accessories for the cordless handheld saw. One of the most useful purchases is an extra 18 V battery. With its help you will avoid sudden interruptions during work. Especially since all Högert cordless tools in the 18 V system are compatible with the same cells. Thus the battery you buy can also be used with the drill-driver, angle grinder or impact wrench from our brand. The cordless circular saw also works with an additional guide rail. It provides greater precision during cutting. Choosing the blade for the material being worked A cordless circular saw allows easy blade replacement. To do this, simply place the tool on a flat surface and, after clearing away chips, loosen the mounting screw. After unscrewing it and replacing the blade with a new one, the screw should be tightened again with the appropriate force. When mounting the blade it is necessary to check the direction of rotation. This is usually marked by an arrow, which must match the rotation direction of the blade after mounting. For cordless saws, mainly circular saw blades are used. They are equipped with large teeth that allow efficient cutting of wood. They are made of metal and can be resharpened multiple times. A circular saw for wood is used during renovations and when building wooden structures. An alternative is carbide-tipped blades. They are made from two materials. The blade core is made of flexible steel to make it resistant to cracking, while the teeth are made from hard sintered materials that can handle materials such as plastics, metals, or light construction materials. What to pay attention to when buying a cordless circular saw? Cordless handheld saws work excellently for trimming and cutting wooden, metal, or light construction materials. Their main advantages are precision and cut quality. They are often chosen also for their bevel-cutting capability. But which circular saw will be the best? A properly selected model must ensure high blade speeds, reaching up to 5000 revolutions per minute. It is also worth opting for portable cordless models. With such a setup, durability and reliability of the tool are important. In this respect, saws with brushless motors are significantly better than ordinary electric motors with carbon brushes. An additional advantage of modern motors is their higher efficiency, and therefore longer runtime on a single battery. So if you are looking for the ideal solution both for professionals and for a home workshop, choose Högert devices with an interchangeable battery system for all 18 V power tools.Author: Tomasz
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How to choose a pressure washer?
More and more people in Poland are buying pressure washers for their homes. With their help, it is much easier and faster to remove dirt from various surfaces: cars, facades, roofs or paving stones. It is a very effective method, provided the appropriate nozzle is used. Choosing the high-pressure washer itself is also not easy. This is mainly due to the wealth of models on the market. So how do you choose the model best suited to your needs? Find out how a pressure washer is built and how it works! How does a pressure washer work? The operation of a high-pressure washer resembles the work of a compressor. The main element is the drive in the form of an electric motor or (in some professional models) an internal combustion engine. This drives a pump that forces water into the high-pressure hose. Every pressure washer also has a lance connected to the end of that hose. It allows you to properly direct the high-pressure water jet, which is released when the trigger is pressed. The appropriate nozzle for a pressure washer makes it easier to wash different surfaces. It is a replaceable element, so with one washer you can clean paving stones, as well as a car or a roof. As a rule, a pressure washer for home use is slightly smaller. It also provides lower pressure. However, the main difference between professional models and those for household use is operating time. The former can run continuously for several hours without the risk of components overheating. Construction of a pressure washer When choosing the model best suited to your needs, it is worth paying attention to the detailed construction of the pressure washer: Type of drive. For household applications, electric motor washers are mainly used. They are quieter and lighter. Combustion engine models, on the other hand, do not require access to the power grid. They also have higher power. For this reason they are often part of company equipment. A key parameter of pressure washers is the generated pressure. It can reach values from 110 bar for household devices to even 300 bar in models intended for firms. The high-pressure hose is usually about five metres long. Thanks to this you do not have to drag the whole unit with you. Such a length of high-pressure hose does not affect the water pressure. Some models are equipped with an additional detergent feeder, which makes it easier to clean heavily dried-on dirt. It is worth paying extra attention to the pressure washer gun. Sometimes you can find pressure switches and controls for changing other operating parameters on them. In this way you can adjust the water stream to your needs at any time, without the need to return to the pressure washer. Additional equipment. Nozzles in the lance can be replaced with other tips that facilitate performing certain specific tasks. A good example is the pressure washer brush, designed for cleaning paving stones. It has several nozzles directed downward that also rotate around a common axis. In this way, removing even the most stubborn dirt becomes much easier. The construction of individual pressure washer models can differ in many details. Therefore it is always worth carefully analysing the available solutions: many of them may prove to be created with our needs in mind. How to use a pressure washer? One of the key elements of a pressure washer is the nozzle. Depending on its shape and functionality, the direction of the water stream can be different. That is why different nozzles for a pressure washer are used for certain jobs. A rotary nozzle is set in rotational motion by the pressure of the flowing water. It is useful for washing large surfaces, such as a driveway paved with paving stones. A sandblasting nozzle has an additional sand feeder. This way metal elements are cleaned of rust and other deep contaminants. A pipe-cleaning nozzle will work in the case of a clogged sewer. It is mounted on a flexible high-pressure hose. An adjustable-angle nozzle allows better adaptation of the angle (width) of the water stream. Thanks to the ability to adjust the angle of the water stream, this nozzle is ideal for cleaning various surfaces, such as sidewalks, terraces, building facades, vehicles and garden furniture. Two-stage or three-stage nozzles allow changing the water pressure depending on needs. Additionally, a hot-water pressure washer has a built-in heater to remove the most stubborn dirt using temperature. Accessories for pressure washers To make use of all the possibilities a pressure washer offers, it is worth equipping yourself with additional accessories. This will make it easier to clean various surfaces even from heavily dried dirt and dust. The lance of a pressure washer is constructed so that at any moment it is possible to change the tip to a different type. For example, a pressure washer for paving stones is equipped with a special brush with rotating nozzles. Various types of attachments for a pressure washer are not the only accessories worth having. An additional feature of many models is also a detergent tank. This makes it possible to create active foam and better clean the washed surface, for example a vehicle body. Larger pressure washers also have a reel for winding the garden hose and a special quick coupler ½’’. Which pressure washer to buy for the home, garden and beyond Looking for the best solution, you are certainly wondering, which pressure washer for the home will be optimal? Be sure to pay attention to details such as the material from which individual components are made. A plastic pump for a pressure washer can quickly become damaged and require repair. A much better solution is an aluminium pump. However, components made of brass demonstrate the highest durability. The same applies to the motor that a pressure washer has. How to choose the best one? Avoid cheaper and weak materials such as plastics, and opt for the most durable: aluminium, steel and brass. Will a small pressure washer 120 bar work at home? It is a handy device, equipped with additional wheels and a long, five-metre high-pressure hose. Thanks to this, the comfort of working with this washer is at the highest level. Such a pressure level is sufficient for most household tasks. An advantage of the mentioned model is a small terrace-cleaning brush that was included in the set. Applications of a pressure washer: how can it be used? The applications of pressure washers are much broader than washing a terrace or a facade. Appropriate pressure washer brushes make it easier to remove even the toughest dirt, for example on vehicles used in companies. If you run your own business or have even a small fleet of trucks or construction vehicles, you should opt for a stronger solution. An ideal choice is the pressure washer 180 bar. It comes with additional tips in the set and a large brush for cleaning paving stones (for example from oil stains or other dirt left by vehicles). With intensive use of such devices, it is worth remembering to service them properly. The pressure washer filter should be regularly replaced or cleaned to protect all the washer's components. This way you can extend the period of trouble-free operation and thus reduce operating costs. Which parameters should you pay attention to when choosing a pressure washer? When wondering which pressure washer will be the best, you cannot omit the most important parameters of these devices. One of the key values for washers is, of course, the height of the pressure that can be achieved in the high-pressure hose. However, this is not the only important value on the product sheet that deserves careful attention. When buying a washer, you should check the engine parameters, such as its power. The power supply is also important: 230 V or 400 V (the common industrial supply). So which pressure washer to buy? Preferably one with as powerful an engine as possible. Models for home use are designed in the range from 1200 to 1600 W. Such pressure washers can be found in our online store. With such power, all pressure washer parts will work well with the purchased model. In the case of professional washers, there are also internal combustion engines powered by petrol or diesel. These usually achieve much higher power ranges. Another group of important parameters is the water flow. The nominal flow, given in litres per minute, specifies the water usage when the lance is operating. The overall flow, given in litres per hour, indicates what the water consumption will be during operation. The more water is pumped, the stronger the water jet we obtain – cleaning will be even easier. For household pressure washers it most often ranges from 400 to 1000 litres per hour.Author: Paweł Sokołowski
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How to choose the right size of work gloves?
During workshop work or home renovations you should take care of your safety. One of the basic ways to protect yourself is to put on work clothing designed for specific working conditions. Well-chosen protective gloves will not restrict hand movement, while at the same time protecting against cuts. How to check, which sizes of work gloves will be appropriate? Check how to measure the circumference of your hand. How to properly measure the circumference of your hand? Before buying work gloves you should measure your hand. The best method is to use a tailor's tape measure. How to measure the circumference of your hand? ● Choose your dominant hand. ● Then measure the circumference of the hand at its widest point. It is located between the thumb and the index finger, just below the knuckles. ● Then convert the result to inches. This way we obtain the glove sizes. Some tape measures have an inch scale next to the metric one. If you cannot read the result directly, you can easily convert the obtained value. Just remember that 1 cm is about 0.39 inches. A good alternative is also to check the size chart below. What glove sizes are available? Glove sizes most often range from six to twelve. Regardless of the type of protective gloves, they depend only on the size of the hand. The table below shows which size of professional work gloves corresponds to the appropriate hand circumference: Size Size in inches Hand circumference XS 6 16-19 S 7 19-20 M 8 20-22 L 9 22-24 XL 10 24-26 XXL 11 26-28 XXXL 12 28-30 The sizes listed above are found in the most commonly used types of protective gloves, such as cut-resistant models or anti-vibration gloves. Why is choosing the correct glove size important? Gloves must be fitted to the hand size. Too small will squeeze the hand and make work difficult. If the material is overly stretched it will also be impossible to bend the fingers, making many tasks very difficult to perform. On the other hand, gloves that are too loose also reduce comfort. They can slip off, and it will be harder to manipulate small parts such as screws or nuts. In addition to well-chosen professional work gloves it is also worth taking care of other elements of clothing. When using power tools it is a good idea to wear a helmet or other head protection. It is also worth considering work boots. How to choose work gloves for the job? Protective work gloves should not restrict movement. On the other hand, their main task is to protect the skin from damage. Therefore, choosing the right material from which they are made is equally important. We especially recommend coated work gloves. ● Synthetic rubber is one of the most popular materials. Nitrile gloves are characterized by high resistance to mechanical damage and punctures. At the same time they allow the sense of touch for small parts and maintain high dry grip. ● Natural rubber, from which the latex coating on gloves is made, is distinguished by high grip both when dry and wet. It is also resistant to mechanical damage, but it is susceptible to various solvents, including gasoline. Therefore it is not suitable for all workshop tasks. ● Polyurethane gloves are equally resistant to mechanical damage as well as to the effects of many substances such as oils, greases, or solvents. Each of the materials listed is also characterized by high flexibility and a good fit to the shape of the hand. They allow you to feel even small parts with your fingertips, provided the glove sizes are properly matched to the hand circumference. Work gloves for children too! Is professional PPE intended only for adults? No. Especially for teenagers and children who are just learning to perform many tasks, proper protective clothing is very important. Author: Kamil Gajda
Read moreWhat does the abbreviation HRC mean?
One method of testing the hardness of steel is the Rockwell test. Hardness measurement consists of examining the deformations caused by pressing an indenter into the tested material. Rockwell hardness is determined based on the depth of the indentation obtained during the two-stage test. The measurement result is read in hardness units HR, to which a scale is appended. For hand tools the B and C scales are most commonly used. The C scale is used to determine the hardness of iron alloys, while the B scale is used to determine the hardness of aluminum, copper, brass alloys and other soft steels. High hardness for hand tools ranges between 55 and 60 HRC. A detailed description of the procedure for performing the measurement by the Rockwell method is specified in the Polish Standard PN-EN ISO 6508. Worth knowing The quality of hand tools results from the chemical composition of the steel and the applied heat treatment process. Well-chosen and implemented technologies make it possible to increase hardness and thus the durability of tools. One such technology is hardening. It involves heating the material and then rapidly cooling it, e.g. using electric current (induction hardening) or flame (flame hardening). Such a process causes changes in the physicochemical properties of steel, including hardness, yield strength and resistance. According to the physicochemical properties of steel alloys, as hardness increases resistance to cracking and chipping decreases. Therefore, most often the surface layer of the working part of a given tool is hardened. An example of a tool whose cutting edges are exposed to rapid wear are pliers. High-quality products have edges made of hardened steel additionally subjected to induction hardening, such as the Högert Technik family of pliers, which include: universal pliers, side cutters, long bent pliers, long straight pliers flat-nose pliers. Author: Grzegorz Nowak
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Who are we?
Högert Technik is a brand of tools and PPE accessories. We are a young, modern brand operating in international markets. Since 2015 our products have been available for sale in Europe, Asia and South America. Honesty, openness to new challenges, professionalism and support for our customers are an integral part of the principles and culture of our brand.
The Högert Technik brand was born out of a passion for quality, simplicity and usability. It was designed with intensive use and demanding users in mind, who work with hand tools every day. The integration of a product’s idea with its application at work is the ambition of Högert Technik engineers, who precisely design every detail of the tools. Hot-forged steel, careful stress-relieving and hardening of the products, their detailed quality control process and logistics optimization create an assortment whose quality-to-price ratio is unattainable for other companies.